Ballistic protective armor and ballistic protective helmet and protective vest

Abstract

Ballistic protective armor (12), in particular as a component of ballistic protective clothing or headgear (10), comprising a textile laminate (14) made of a plurality of laminated textile layers (16, ..., 34), wherein a plurality of wire- or thread-shaped connectors (40, 52) are provided which extend at least partially through the textile laminate (14) in the layering direction (Z) of the textile layers (16, ..., 34), the textile laminate being further developed by having an average areal density of connectors (40, 52), in particular transverse to the layering direction, of between 180 connectors / dm2 and 800 connectors / dm2, in particular between 200 connectors / dm2 and 700 connectors / dm2, in particular between 250 connectors / dm2 and 600 connectors / dm2, in particular between 280 connectors / dm2 and 500 connectors / dm2, especially between 300 connectors / dm2 and 450 connectors / dm2, is provided.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ballistic protective armor according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a corresponding ballistic protective helmet and a protective vest.

[0002] Ballistic protective armor of the type described here is a component of ballistic protective clothing or headgear, such as military helmets, body armor, and the like. For weight reduction, such protective armor is generally made from technical fabrics such as high-molecular-weight polyethylene, aramid, Kevlar, or other high-strength yarns. Individual layers of fabric are laminated using an adhesive matrix by applying an adhesive, resin, or film between the individual textile layers, and then pressing the entire assembly together to create a textile laminate.

[0003] Depending on the material properties of the yarns used for the textile layers, the different weaves and fabric weights, as well as the resin or adhesive content in the bonding matrix, the properties of the protective armor can be varied. Apart from structural rigidity, i.e., resistance to deformation, which is particularly important for protective helmets, resistance to an impacting projectile or fragment naturally plays a crucial role. The impacting projectile exerts not only a force in the layering direction, which will be referred to as the Z-direction, but also forces in directions that lie within the plane of the layers, i.e., in the X and Y directions perpendicular to the Z-direction. These forces are absorbed by the yarns or fibers of the textile layers, while the forces in the Z-direction are absorbed by the bonding of the textile layers.This means that the adhesive strength of the matrix plays a crucial role in preventing the projectile from penetrating the matrix. The layer planes are typically curved, not flat, so the X and Y directions must be understood along the layer planes and are only flat in the case of flat layer planes.

[0004] It is possible to fully embed the textile fabric layers in the matrix, resulting in a very high adhesive strength between the layers. Generally, the forces occurring during projectile impact in the X and Y directions cause the fabric fibers to stretch and absorb energy. This can lead to bulging of the armor plating in the direction of impact. However, if a certain force or fiber elongation is exceeded, the fibers shear abruptly, and the projectile penetrates the corresponding layer. This shearing effect is promoted by fully embedding the fabric in the resin or adhesive matrix, as this restricts the fibers' ability to expand longitudinally. The armor's resistance to perforation is thus reduced. Aside from this effect, a high resin or adhesive content increases the weight of the armor plating.

[0005] Therefore, attempts were made to construct ballistic armor with reduced resin application between the textile layers. This saves weight and increases energy absorption within the individual textile layers, as the fabric fibers, which are not embedded in the matrix, can stretch freely. On the other hand, the adhesion between the layers is reduced. Consequently, the following effect occurs upon projectile impact: Due to the shear effect, the outer textile layers are cleanly penetrated by the projectile, which deforms significantly in the process. The subsequent layers then absorb the projectile, whose kinetic energy is already greatly reduced at this point, through the stretching of the fibers within the textile layers.This results in a significant bulging of the laminate's impact-absorbing layers towards the inside of the protective armor, as the reduced resin application allows the impact-absorbing layers to detach more easily from the perforated layers, leading to delamination between these layers. This pronounced bulging effect can cause severe injuries to the wearer of the ballistic protective clothing. For example, a wearer of a ballistic helmet that is severely deformed inwards by a projectile impact can suffer head injuries.

[0006] In the design of a conventional ballistic protective suit, it is therefore necessary to prevent both the effect of complete perforation described earlier and excessive deformation of the inner layers of the textile laminate. This is achieved by appropriately adjusting the elongation properties of the textile fabric and the resin or adhesive content, so that the load-bearing capacity in different directions can be predetermined. However, this is only possible to a limited extent, since, firstly, the conditions during the manufacture of the protective suit are difficult to reproduce, and secondly, the delamination effect occurs abruptly and almost uncontrollably when the deforming interlocking layers separate from the perforated layers. These circumstances make the selection of the resin or adhesive content in the bonding matrix particularly difficult.

[0007] WO 2005 / 108906 A1 discloses a ballistic protective armor, in particular as a component of ballistic protective clothing or headgear, comprising a textile laminate of a plurality of laminated textile layers, wherein a plurality of wire- or thread-shaped connectors are provided which extend through the textile laminate in the layering direction of the textile layers.

[0008] This has made it possible to provide ballistic armor that reliably prevents penetration by projectiles or impacting fragments, while simultaneously reducing the deformation effect described above on the inside of the armor opposite the side being shot to an acceptable level, while keeping the weight of the armor as low as possible.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to further develop the ballistic protective armor from the prior art in such a way that the protective effect is improved with the lowest possible weight of the protective armor.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.According to the invention, a ballistic protective armor, in particular as a component of ballistic protective clothing or headgear, is provided, comprising a textile laminate made of a plurality of laminated textile layers, wherein a plurality of wire- or thread-shaped connectors are provided which extend at least partially through the textile laminate in the layering direction of the textile layers, and which is further developed in that at least in certain areas an average areal density of connectors, in particular transverse to the layering direction, of between 180 connectors / dm² and 800 connectors / dm², in particular between 200 connectors / dm² and 700 connectors / dm², in particular between 250 connectors / dm² and 600 connectors / dm², in particular between 280 connectors / dm² and 500 connectors / dm², in particular between 300 connectors / dm² and 450 connectors / dm² are provided. dm here means decimeter.

[0011] Preferably, the connectors extend completely through the textile laminate. In particular, the mean areal density of the connectors is higher than known in the prior art. The invention is based on the premise that a higher mean areal density of the connectors results in a helmet shell that is stiffer, thus reducing the residual energy upon impact. This allows, on the one hand, a thinner shell of the protective armor with the same level of protection compared to the prior art, or, on the other hand, a higher level of protection for the ballistic protective armor if the same shell thickness and weight as in the prior art are used.

[0012] Preferably, at least in certain areas, an average surface density of at least 180 connectors / dm², in particular at least 200 connectors / dm², in particular at least 250 connectors / dm², in particular at least 280 connectors / dm², in particular at least 300 connectors / dm² is provided.

[0013] Preferably, at least in certain areas, an average surface density of up to 800 connectors / dm², in particular 700 connectors / dm², in particular 600 connectors / dm², in particular 500 connectors / dm², in particular 450 connectors / dm² is provided.

[0014] The ballistic protective armor comprises, in particular, a number of wire- or thread-like connectors that extend through the textile laminate in the layering direction, i.e., in the direction of the surface normal perpendicular to the textile layers. These connectors provide additional support to the individual textile layers of the laminate by creating a further mechanical bond in addition to the known adhesive matrix. By selecting a suitable tensile strength or elasticity for the connectors, it is possible to improve the perforation and deformation properties of the textile laminate and its resistance to projectile impact.

[0015] In particular, the bulging effect described above, which deforms the inner catching layers of the laminate upon projectile impact, is significantly reduced because the connectors can withstand strong tensile forces in the direction of impact and prevent uncontrolled separation of the layers (delamination). Instead, the delamination effect is limited to the immediate vicinity of the impact channel. In this area, the tensile forces on the connectors are so high that they can tear and the inner catching layers can detach. In the directions within the layers, i.e., in the directions perpendicular to the layering direction, the force eventually decreases until it falls below the force required to tear the connectors, resulting only in elongation of the connectors. While the adhesive layers of the layers may separate from each other, the elongated connectors continue to hold the layers together stably.This significantly reduces the extent of inward bulging of the protective armor and thus the risk of injury. Sufficient absorption of the kinetic energy of the projectile still occurs, preventing it from completely penetrating the textile laminate. The resin or adhesive content in the textile laminate can be drastically reduced without excessive deformation, resulting in weight savings and increased wearer comfort.

[0016] Preferably, the spacing of the connectors in a first direction of the surface, which is transverse to the layering direction of the textile layers, differs from a direction of the surface arranged transversely to the first direction, in particular perpendicularly, and also transverse to the layering direction of the textile layers. This reduces the brittleness of the ballistic protective armor, thereby decreasing its susceptibility to penetration.

[0017] Preferably, if the mean area density of connectors in the protective armor differs, areas can be defined in the ballistic protective armor that exhibit predefinable ballistic effects.

[0018] Another solution to the problem is a ballistic protective armor, in particular as a component of ballistic protective clothing or headgear, comprising a textile laminate made of a plurality of laminated textile layers, wherein a plurality of wire- or thread-shaped connectors are provided which extend at least partially through the textile laminate in the layering direction of the textile layers, and which is further developed in that the protective armor has an average areal density in at least two areas which is different from each other.

[0019] If the mean area density of connectors in a central area of ​​the protective armor is lower than in an edge area of ​​the protective armor, it can be ensured that uniform protection against projectiles or impacting splinters is provided over the entire area of ​​the protective armor.

[0020] Protective armor, such as helmets, typically exhibits a higher tendency to delaminate at the edges than in areas near the crown or in the center of the armor. Near the center of the armor or the crown of a helmet, the amount of material in the X and Y directions is roughly the same as the distance to the point of impact of a shot or the point of impact of a fragment. This applies to the area spanned by the armor or helmet, or to the area formed by the textile layers. This allows the projectile's energy to be distributed more evenly over a larger area for energy dissipation. At the edges, however, less energy is required for delamination, resulting in larger bulges in helmets or armor towards the edges. This effect can be counteracted by increasing the average areal density of the connectors towards the edges.This also ensures improved energy dissipation towards the edge of the protective armor.

[0021] Preferably, the number of textile layers in the protective armor varies from area to area. This allows for optimized protection of the armor while minimizing weight. If the number of textile layers is lower in a central area of ​​the armor than in an edge area, the safety aspect, or rather the uniformity of energy dissipation from impacting projectiles or fragments, can be adjusted.

[0022] Manufacturing the protective armor is particularly simple when the connectors are sewn into the textile layers. For example, it is possible to sew the textile layers, which are already coated with an adhesive matrix and contained in a prepreg mold, while they are still damp, so that the connectors are inserted into the textile layers while they are wet. The protective armor is then pressed and cured, allowing for efficient production of the armor with the connectors.

[0023] The problem is further solved by a ballistic protective helmet with a helmet shell that includes a protective armor according to the invention or that consists of a protective armor according to the invention.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention is solved by a ballistic protective vest comprising hard segments or hard inserts that include or consist of a ballistic protective armor according to the invention.

[0025] Preferably, the connectors are provided with anchoring devices for anchoring in the textile laminate. It is highly preferred that the connectors are elastic. The connectors preferably consist of or comprise metal or a plastic material.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connectors are designed as reinforcing threads, each formed from a single fiber or from a number of fibers. It is particularly preferred if the reinforcing threads or the connectors consist of a yarn spun or twisted from a number of fibers.

[0027] The reinforcing threads or connectors comprise or consist of aramid, Kevlar, polyethylene, or carbon fibers.

[0028] Preferably, the reinforcing threads or connectors are connected to each other to form continuous threads that meander through the textile laminate.

[0029] In one embodiment, continuous threads run on the opposing surfaces of the textile laminate, each continuous thread comprising a number of loops projecting into the textile laminate which are intertwined with the loops of a continuous thread running on the respective opposite surface of the textile laminate.

[0030] Preferably, the textile layers are joined by pressing with a bonding matrix that is arranged layer by layer between the individual textile layers.

[0031] In one embodiment, the bonding matrix is ​​formed from an adhesive, a resin, or a compressible film.

[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the textile layers are at least partially embedded in the bonding matrix. For example, the textile layers can consist of or comprise a plastic material. The textile layers preferably comprise or consist of aramid, Kevlar, polyethylene, or carbon fibers. A mixture of these materials can also be used, for example, a mixture of aramid and polyethylene, or aramid and carbon fibers, or Kevlar with polyethylene, etc.

[0033] In one embodiment, the textile layers comprise or are formed from fabrics made of fibers or yarns. Preferably, the textile layers have different degrees of hardness. In one embodiment, these different degrees of hardness can be achieved by using different types of fabric or different resin or adhesive contents in the textile layers. In one embodiment, the textile laminate, viewed from the outside in with respect to the intended firing direction, comprises a sequence of layers consisting of hard outer textile layers, soft textile layers whose hardness is less than that of the hard textile layers, and medium-hard inner textile layers whose hardness lies between that of the hard and soft textile layers.

[0034] In one embodiment, the connectors are provided with a first distance from each other in one direction across the surface of the textile layers or the textile laminate, and with a second distance from each other in a direction transverse to this direction across the surface of the textile layers or the textile laminate. The first distance and the second distance can be different from each other.

[0035] The connectors can be sewn in one direction across the surface of the textile layers by a seam, particularly by a sewing machine, with several seams being arranged side by side at the second distance from the stitches in the seam. The respective stitches of adjacent seams can preferably also be offset from each other, particularly centered on each pair of connectors in a seam.

[0036] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention, together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments according to the invention may fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

[0037] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with "in particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

[0038] The invention is described below, without limiting the general concept, with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings, whereby for all details of the invention not explained in detail in the text, explicit reference is made to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 schematically shows a partial lateral section through a ballistic protective helmet, the helmet shell of which is formed by a ballistic protective armor according to the invention; Fig. 2 schematically shows a top view of a section of the helmet shell surface of the helmet made of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 schematically shows a partial section through a helmet shell according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a top view of a section of the helmet shell made of Fig. 3 Fig. 5 schematically shows the helmet shell according to Fig. 3 in the deformed state after the impact of a projectile, Fig. 6 schematically shows a partial section through a helmet shell according to a third embodiment of the invention and Fig. 7 schematically shows a top view of a section of a protective armor according to the invention.

[0039] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a re-presentation is omitted.

[0040] The in Fig. 1 The helmet shell 10 shown is part of a ballistic helmet, for example, a helmet for military use. The concave inner surface of the helmet, facing the wearer's head (not shown), is located at the bottom of the figure, while a projectile can impact the helmet from the convex outer surface. The term "projectile" is used below to encompass all possible ballistic projectiles, including not only firearm projectiles in the narrower sense but also shrapnel, fragments, or similar objects.

[0041] Other features inside the protective helmet, such as a basket-shaped lining attached to the inside of the helmet shell 10, which ensures a distance between the head of the helmet wearer and the inside of the helmet shell 10 and increases wearing comfort, are not shown in this and the following figures.

[0042] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows the helmet shell 10 in its undamaged state. It is formed by a ballistic protective armor 12, which comprises a textile laminate 14 made up of a number of laminated textile layers. The layers extend, following the curvature of the helmet surface, parallel to one another between the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell 10; that is, the layering direction corresponds to the surface normal, which is perpendicular to the surfaces of the textile layers. Fig. 1The layering direction is indicated by an arrow Z, which corresponds to the normal of the helmet's outer surface at a specific point of curvature, while the individual textile layers extend in the X and Y directions perpendicular to the layering direction Z within the helmet shell 10. For the sake of completeness, the X direction (in Fig. 1 to the right) also marked by an arrow X.

[0043] For clarity, the textile layers are shown in section only in the right-hand area of ​​the figure. In reality, the layers extend through the entire helmet shell 10. Specifically, the embodiment presented here comprises ten layers 16 to 34 stacked on top of each other in the Z-direction. In practice, it is common to use an even larger number of layers; however, it is within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art to select the appropriate number of layers. Each of the textile layers 16, ..., 34 consists of a fabric made of aramid, polyethylene, or carbon fibers, i.e., a plastic material with high tensile strength in the X or Y direction in which the layer extends. It is also possible to weave the textile layers from yarns or to produce them using other textile techniques.

[0044] The textile layers 16, ..., 34 are laminated together by pressing them with a bonding matrix that is arranged layer by layer between the individual textile layers. This bonding matrix is, for example, an adhesive, a resin, or a pressable film. To produce the textile laminate 14, textile layers 16, ..., 34 and adhesive or resin layers or film layers are thus alternately placed on top of each other and pressed under high pressure, so that the textile laminate 14 is formed as a composite of textile layers and bonding matrix. The individual layers of the bonding matrix are in Fig. 1and are not shown in detail in the following figures. The cohesion of this layer package 14, i.e., its resistance to forces in the Z-direction that act on separating the textile layers 16, ..., 34 from one another, as well as the weight of the helmet shell 10, can be determined by the amount of adhesive or resin applied or the thickness of the compressible film between the textile layers. In principle, the strength increases with the increasing weight fraction of the bonding matrix to the total weight, so that the strength can be increased, for example, by increasing the resin application. This can lead to the effect during the pressing of the laminate that the material of the bonding matrix penetrates at least partially into the fabric of the textile layers 16, ..., 34 and the fibers of the textile layers are embedded in the matrix. However, this severely restricts the fibers' ability to stretch in the X and Y directions.

[0045] According to the invention, the ballistic protective armor 12, which forms the helmet shell 10, comprises a number of wire- or thread-shaped connectors 40 that extend through the textile laminate 14 in the layering direction Z from the inner surface of the helmet shell 10 to the outer surface, i.e., through all textile layers 16, ... ,34. These connectors, which are spaced apart from one another in the directions X, Y, in which the textile layers 16, ... ,34 extend, provide additional support for the textile layers 16, ... ,34 to one another. That is, the layers 16, ... ,34 are not held together solely by the adhesive force of the bonding matrix, but additionally mechanically by the connectors 40. This ensures increased cohesion of the laminate 14 in the layering direction Z and offers advantageous properties in the event of delamination of the inner textile layers upon impact of a projectile, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0046] The connectors 40, of which in Fig. 1 Only the left connector 40 is marked with a reference numeral. The connectors can be made of any suitable material that possesses the desired properties, in particular suitable tensile strength and elasticity. For example, a metal or plastic material can be used for the connectors 40, and they can be flexible reinforcing threads formed from a single fiber or from a number of fibers, which may furthermore be spun or twisted into a yarn. High-strength materials such as aramid, polyethylene, or carbon fibers are particularly suitable. Although this in Fig. 1Not shown, it is conceivable to provide the individual connectors 40 at their ends on the outside and inside of the helmet shell 10 with anchoring devices such as thickenings or the like, which prevent the connectors 40 from simply being pulled out of the layer package in the event of delamination of the textile laminate 14.

[0047] For the connectors 40 to fulfill their function according to the invention, it is not absolutely necessary that the connectors 40 extend exactly in the layering direction Z or -Z, i.e., in the direction of the surface normal of the textile layers 16, ... ,34 at the point of penetration of the connector 40. Rather, it is sufficient that the direction of extension of the connectors 40 has a component that corresponds to the layering direction Z, so that the textile layers 16, ... ,34 are penetrated. It is therefore permissible to include a certain angle with the normal. If such deviations are desired for design reasons, a suitable magnitude of the angle of deviation can be determined by a person skilled in the art without significant effort through experimentation.

[0048] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a top view of the helmet shell 10 with the inserted connectors 40. This figure therefore only shows a section of the surface of the uppermost textile layer 34, in which the outermost ends of the wire- or thread-shaped connectors 40 are embedded. The layering direction Z thus points in Fig. 2 out of the drawing plane. The connectors 40 are arranged in a regular square grid, i.e., the connectors 40 are spaced equally a apart in rows in both the X and Y directions, corresponding to the extension direction of the textile layer 34. The distances a can be freely chosen to influence the cohesion of the textile laminate 14 and its delamination behavior.

[0049] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a partial lateral section through another helmet shell 50, which is also constructed from a textile laminate 14 consisting of individual textile layers 16, ... ,34. The structure of the individual layers 16, ... ,34 made of a high-strength fabric, their layering in the Z-direction, and their bonding by layer-by-layer pressing with a bonding matrix correspond to the helmet shell 10 made of Figs. 1 and 2 , so that with regard to the structure of the textile laminate 14 reference is made to the preceding descriptive sections.

[0050] According to the invention, the helmet shell 50 comprises thread-like connectors, which are formed here by sections 52 of a reinforcing thread 54 extending in the layering direction Z. This thread runs as a continuous thread meandering in direction X through the textile laminate 14 between the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell 50, i.e., in the direction in which the textile layers 16, ... ,34 extend. On the left side in Fig. 3Starting with this, a reinforcing thread section 52, running in the layering direction Z, extends from the inside to the outside, to which a connecting section 56 of the reinforcing thread 54, lying on the outer surface of the helmet shell 50, is attached. This is followed by another reinforcing thread section 52 running from the outside to the inside (opposite direction -Z), followed by a connecting section 56 lying on the inside of the helmet shell. This sequence of reinforcing thread sections 54 between the inside and outside is repeated continuously from this point onward in the extension direction X of the textile layers 16, ... ,34. The individual reinforcing thread sections 52, which form the connectors, are thus joined by the connecting sections 56 to form a continuous thread, which creates a seam that can run through the entire textile laminate 14 or the helmet shell 50.The reinforcing thread 54 can be tightly stretched, so that the individual textile layers 16,... ,34 are given increased cohesion.

[0051] The reinforcing thread 54 can be a textile fiber made of a high-strength plastic material such as aramid, polyethylene, or carbon fiber, and several fibers of the reinforcing thread 54 can be spun or twisted together to form a yarn. In principle, the same materials can be used for the connectors 40 from the first embodiment and for the reinforcing thread 54 or its sections 52 acting as connectors. Since, in the case of the endless reinforcing thread 54, the thread path is redirected on both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell 50, a certain degree of flexibility and pliability of the thread material is required.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a section of the outermost textile layer 34 from a perspective corresponding to Fig. 2 On the surface of the textile layer 16, the bonded sections 56 of the reinforcing thread 54 are visible, while the reinforcing thread sections 52 extend into and out of the textile laminate 14 at the ends of the bonded sections 56, both in and against the layering direction (directions Z and -Z). The seams of the continuous threads 54 run in Fig. 4 from left to right, and the connecting sections 56 have the same length on the inside and outside of the helmet shell 50. In the direction perpendicular to the direction of the seams, the continuous threads 54 are spaced apart from each other, and the connecting sections 56 of adjacent connecting threads 54 are offset from each other in the direction of the seams by the length of one connecting section 56.

[0053] It is understood that a different seam profile can also be chosen, for example by forming loops within the path of the reinforcing thread 54, as will be explained later. Furthermore, similar to the embodiment described above, it is not necessary for the reinforcing thread sections 52 to extend exactly in the direction of the surface normal; deviations from this direction are tolerated. For example, successive reinforcing thread sections 52 can be inclined relative to each other in such a way that a W- or zigzag-shaped seam profile results in the perpendicular section plane through the laminate 14.

[0054] In Fig. 5 The operating principle of the ballistic protective armor according to the invention is explained using the second embodiment from the Figs. 3 and 4The following is explained. In the present case, it is assumed that the helmet shell 50 is struck by a projectile 60 that hits the helmet shell 50 at a precise perpendicular angle, i.e., in a firing direction -Z. Upon impact, the projectile 60 penetrates several outer textile layers, shearing the fibers within the textile layers cleanly and creating an approximately cylindrical impact channel 62. The projectile 60 deforms significantly, and some of its kinetic energy is absorbed until the energy is no longer sufficient to penetrate further layers. This results in an inward bulge in the remaining textile layers on the inside of the helmet shell 50, as the projectile 60, with its residual energy, stretches the fibers of the unpenetrated textile layers. The projectile 60 then remains lodged within a cavity 64 between the outer and inner textile layers.This cavern 64 is created because the outer penetrated textile layers retain their outwardly curved shape in principle, while the deformation of the inner layers creates a separation or delamination effect in which the outer and inner layer packages separate from each other in the vicinity of the firing channel 62.

[0055] In Fig. 5The three outermost textile layers 30, 32, 34 are cleanly penetrated, forming the firing channel 62, while the four innermost layers 16 to 22 are bulged inwards. The fabric of these textile layers 16 to 22 remains intact; only the fibers of the fabric are stretched, so that the bulge is formed on the inside of the helmet shell 50. Between the penetrated layers 30, 32, 34 and the deformed layers 16 to 22, which are also referred to as catch layers, three textile layers 24, 26, 28 remain, which are destroyed in the immediate vicinity of the firing channel 62 and thereby absorb energy.

[0056] When the interlocking layers 16 to 22 tear, the internal cohesion of the textile laminate 14 is destroyed by the bonding matrix, and there is a risk that an uncontrolled tearing of the layers from one another will cause a very severe bulge, which could injure the helmet wearer. According to the invention, this adverse effect is prevented by the reinforcing thread 54. The sections 52 of the reinforcing thread 54 running in the layering direction Z can absorb the tensile forces occurring in the Z-direction during impact, which leads to an elongation of the reinforcing thread 54 at the sections 52, thus absorbing additional energy. If the forces exceed a certain value, the reinforcing thread section 52 tears off. Since the force decreases laterally, i.e., in the X and Y directions with respect to the direction of impact, this tearing effect only occurs in the vicinity of the firing channel 62, as shown in Fig. 5as also shown. At a greater distance from the firing channel 62, the tensile forces decrease and can still be absorbed by the reinforcing thread sections 52 without the thread 54 breaking. This prevents the adhesive layer of the bonding matrix between the penetrated layers 30, 32, 34 and the catch layers 16 to 22 from tearing uncontrollably. The reinforcing thread sections 52 on the outer surfaces of the cavity 64 reliably limit the delamination effect. The absorption of the tensile forces by the reinforcing thread sections 52 is facilitated by the fact that the outer ends of the sections 52 are anchored in the outer textile layers 30, 32, 34, which retain their curved shape and thus exhibit high stability against the tensile forces exerted by the reinforcing thread sections 52.This anchoring effect in the outer layers 30, 32, 34 provides increased support to sections 52 and thus to the inwardly deformed area of ​​the inner catch layers 16 to 22.

[0057] It is understood that the effect of the connectors according to the invention in Fig. 5 is shown only by way of example with reference to the reinforcing thread sections 52 and is equally achieved by all types of connectors in the sense of the present invention, and in particular also by the connectors 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] The energy absorption within the textile laminate 14 can be advantageously increased by making the outer layers 30, 32, 34, in which the impact channel 62 is formed, very hard compared to the subsequent middle layers 24, 26, 28, which are destroyed in the area of ​​the cavity 64 and can thereby absorb energy. Due to the high hardness of the outer layers 30, 32, 34, the projectile 60 is deformed considerably and must form a larger impact channel in order to penetrate deeper into the textile laminate 14. The hardness of the impact layers 16 to 22 on the inside of the helmet shell 50 is advantageously selected to lie between the hardness of the outer layers 30, 32, 34 and that of the softer middle layers 24, 26, 28, so that good deformability is maintained. The hardnesses of the different layers 16, ..., 34 can be influenced by the choice of fabric, but especially also by the resin or adhesive content of the bonding matrix in the textile layers 16, ... , 34.

[0059] Finally, it shows Fig. 6 a helmet shell 70 similar to the helmet shell 50 from the Figs. 3 to 5, in which the seams of the reinforcing thread 54 have a different orientation. On the opposing surfaces of the textile laminate 14, reinforcing threads 54 run as continuous threads, each of which comprises a number of loops 72 projecting into the textile laminate 14 and interlocked with the loops 72 of a continuous thread running on the opposite surface of the textile laminate 14. That is, the loops 72 of the reinforcing thread 54 lying on the outside of the helmet shell 70 point into the textile laminate 14 through a channel (not shown) opposite to the layering direction Z and engage in the area of ​​the middle textile layers with the loops 72 of another continuous thread 54, which runs in the same way on the inside of the helmet. Each pair of interlocked loops 72 thus forms a connector according to the invention.The loops 72 can be more or less tightly tensioned together, so that the elastic properties of the tension can be adjusted.

[0060] A ballistic protective armor 12 of the type described here is suitable not only for helmet shells 10, 50 of ballistic protective helmets, but also for other types of ballistic protective clothing, in particular for protective vests designed to protect the wearer against projectile or fragmentation fire. Since such protective vests must have a certain degree of flexibility for reasons of wearing comfort, the known vests generally include hard segments or hard inserts at particularly vulnerable points. These hard segments or inserts can also be formed by the ballistic protective armor according to the invention. To ensure complete protection without restricting the wearer's freedom of movement, an arrangement is advantageous in which the hard segments or hard inserts overlap each other but are slidable relative to each other or interlock.

[0061] Fig. 7Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of a protective armor according to the invention. The textile laminate is shown schematically in a top view, as is an arrangement of connectors 40 in this textile laminate. The connectors are arranged at a first distance from each other in direction X and at a second distance from each other in direction Y. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 7 The connectors of a seam are offset in one direction from the connectors of an adjacent seam or an adjacent row of connectors. This arrangement enables a very high area density of connectors.

[0062] As an example of a spacing of the connectors in a seam or in one direction, 2.5 to 7.0 mm may be preferred and in the other direction also 2.5 to 7.0 mm, whereby the spacings may be the same or different.

[0063] In Fig. 7An edge region 82 is shown in which the connectors are arranged offset from each other on three edges and closer together than in a central region 80.

[0064] The invention enables the optimization of the seam spacing or the spacing of the connectors for the ballistic protection armor. With a large spacing of the connectors, delamination will occur more quickly upon impact with a projectile. With a very close spacing of the connectors or a higher areal density of the connectors, delamination is reduced. However, with an excessively high areal density, the projectile may penetrate the ballistic protection armor. Therefore, the ballistic protection armor according to the invention serves to provide for optimization.

[0065] All features mentioned, including those discernible from the drawings alone as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Inventive embodiments may be fulfilled by individual features or by a combination of several features. Reference symbol list

[0066] 10 Helmet shell 12 Protective armor 14 Textile laminate 16-34 Textile layers 40 Connector 50 Helmet shell 52 Reinforcement thread section 54 Reinforcement thread 56 Connecting section 60 Projectile 62 Firing channel 64 Cavity 70 Helmet shell 72 Sling 80 Central area 82 Edge area

Claims

1. Ballistic protective armor (12), in particular as a component of ballistic protective clothing or headgear (10), comprising a textile laminate (14) made of a plurality of laminated textile layers (16, ..., 34), wherein a plurality of wire- or thread-shaped connectors (40, 52) are provided which extend at least partially through the textile laminate (14) in the layering direction (Z) of the textile layers (16, ..., 34), characterized by the fact that at least in certain areas an average area density of connectors (40, 52), especially perpendicular to the layering direction, of between 180 connectors / dm² 2 up to 800 connectors / dm 2 , especially between 200 connectors / dm 2 up to 700 connectors / dm 2 , especially between 250 connectors / dm 2 and 600 connectors / dm 2 , especially between 280 connectors / dm 2 and 500 connectors / dm 2 , especially between 300 connectors / dm2 and 450 connectors / dm 2 , is planned.

2. Ballistic protective armor (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the distance between the connectors (40, 52) in a first direction (X) of the surface, which is transverse to the layering direction (Z) of the textile layers (16, ..., 34), differs from a direction (Y) of the surface arranged transversely to the first direction (X), in particular perpendicularly, to the layering direction (Z) of the textile layers (16, ..., 34).

3. Ballistic protective armor (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the mean area density of connectors (40, 52) in the protective armor (12) is different.

4. Ballistic protective armor (12) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the mean area density of connectors (40, 52) in a central area (80) of the protective armor (12) is smaller than in an edge area (82) of the protective armor (12).

5. Ballistic protective armor (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the number of textile layers (16, ..., 34) in the protective armor (12) varies in some areas.

6. Ballistic protective armor (12) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the number of textile layers (16, ..., 34) in a central area (80) of the protective armor (12) is smaller than in an edge area (82) of the protective armor (12).

7. Ballistic protective armor (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the connectors (40, 52) are sewn into the textile layers (16, ..., 34).

8. Ballistic protective helmet (12) with a helmet shell (10, 50, 70) comprising a ballistic protective armor (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or consisting of a ballistic protective armor (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Ballistic protective vest comprising hard segments or hard inserts comprising or consisting of a ballistic protective armor (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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